Duval Times

As Duval County experiences dangerously cold temperatures, the City of Jacksonville's Emergency Preparedness Division is emphasizing the importance of staying warm. Residents are encouraged to adhere to the "5 P’s of Cold Weather Preparedness" for safety.

The guidelines include dressing in warm layers and wearing a hat and gloves to protect people, bringing outdoor pets inside or providing them with warm shelter, covering cold-sensitive plants, covering pipes and allowing outdoor faucets to drip slowly, and practicing fire safety by using safe heating sources indoors without fuel-burning devices like grills.

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning and Frost Advisory for Duval County due to forecasted wind chills in the 20s. In response, the city's Warming Center Contingency Plan has been activated. The Warming Center at The Legends Center will be open overnight from January 9 at 9 p.m. to January 10 at 9 a.m. JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals there, where they will find staff support and water available onsite. Visitors should bring their own bedding, personal hygiene items, and entertainment.

Local non-profit partners are also offering shelter services for the homeless population during this cold spell. These shelters include City Rescue Mission on West State Street, Mission House with overnight operations at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal – Parish Hall in Jacksonville Beach, Sulzbacher Center locations for men on East Adams Street and women and children on Springfield Blvd., as well as Trinity Rescue Mission on West Union Street.

For additional information on fire prevention and cold weather safety tips or details about other Warming Centers open during normal business hours across the city, residents can visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax.